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GSL

Forecast systems that deliver solutions

Global Systems Laboratory
Learn how we're advancing research in Renewable and Clean Energy

The Global Systems Laboratory (GSL) is one of ten NOAA Research laboratories and is located in Boulder, Colorado. Our research improves environmental prediction models, develops state-of-the-science decision support tools and visualization systems, and uses high-performance computing technology to support a Weather-Ready Nation.

GSL strives to advance its workforce scientifically, technically, and professionally. We are also committed to increased diversity equity, inclusion and accessibility as well as a strong foundation for career growth.

GSL's research serves the nation

The research we do improves weather data, forecasts, and computing techniques used by industry, decision-makers, and stakeholders.

Our work makes the nation's operations safer and more efficient, helps protect lives and property, and promotes economic prosperity.


Public Safety

Public Safety

GSL’s models and technology help emergency managers respond to weather threats quickly.


Aviation

Aviation

Our tools help the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reduce air traffic delays and increase safety.


Energy

Energy

GSL’s weather models enable the energy industry to plan for the variable nature of wind and solar energy.


Fire Weather

Fire Weather

Decision support systems and smoke models developed by GSL help with wildfire operations.


Read more about GSL's impacts

Latest News

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GSL highlights at 2023 American Meteorological Society Annual Meeting

January 05, 2023

The American Meteorological Society (AMS) Annual Meeting is GSL's biggest meeting of the year to share our science. We have more than 60 presentations! Highlights are listed below.MONDAY, JANUARY 2023 8:45 - 9:00 CCC 302 Dynamic Ensemble-based Scenarios for Impact-based Decision Support (DESI) - Travis Wilson. DESI is one of...

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GSL wins CO-Labs Governor’s Award for High Impact Research for Pathfinding Partnerships

January 05, 2023

NOAA GSL, Chemical Sciences Laboratory (CSL), CIRES, and CIRA researchers, along with NOAA National Weather Service (NWS) Denver/Boulder forecasters, were awarded the CO-LABS 2022 Governor’s Award for High-Impact Research in a ceremony on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. CO-LABS honored the team in...

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GSL-NOAA National Hurricane Center experiment for Hurricane Ian

December 19, 2022

GSL collaborated with the NOAA National Hurricane Center (NHC) to develop the future of storm surge watches and warnings & used Hurricane Ian as a live test.Hurricane Ian was a destructive Category 4 hurricane that struck Florida in September 2022 and is the most deadly in Florida’s history since 1935....

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Successful Projects

Research-to-Operations (R2O)

Research-to-Operations (R2O)

GSL has a history of successfully transitioning atmospheric research into advanced products and services for weather operations.

Learn more about R2O
Regional Models

Regional Models

We are the leader in developing and evolving regional weather models. The Rapid Refresh, High-Resolution Rapid Refresh, and RAP Smoke are just a few.

Learn more about our models
Unified Forecast System

Unified Forecast System

GSL is part of a major community effort to develop a coupled, comprehensive Earth modeling system.

Read how GSL supports the UFS

GSL Mission

Lead research and directed development through the transition of environmental data, models, products, tools, and services to support commerce, protect life and property, and promote a scientifically literate public.

Research Areas

Organizational Excellence, Earth System Prediction, Advanced Technologies, and Decision Support are the foundation to achieving the GSL Grand Challenge: Deliver actionable global storm-scale prediction and environmental information through advanced technologies to serve society.